Navigating reentry can be a challenge for justice-involved individuals who recently returned to their communities. CoreCivic is dedicated to helping these individuals by not only equipping them with tools to be successful but introducing them to community resources and to people who have successfully navigated reentry themselves.

Over the summer, CoreCivic's Austin Transitional Center in Austin, Texas, hosted a resource event alongside the non-profit organization Reverse Re-Entry Services. The event connected residents to a local health clinic, rehabilitation services, housing, and introduced them to formerly incarcerated individuals who have successfully reintegrated into their communities.

One of these individuals, James M., participated in the event as a volunteer for Reverse Re-Entry Services (James is a former resident of Austin Transitional). He shared with residents how he's been doing very well and wanted the opportunity to encourage others.

"I have never felt more healthy in my 70 plus years than I do today," James said.

Other participants included Alexis R., who built a new life leading a landscaping crew by day and working as a mechanic by night after eight years of incarceration; and Michael E., who is focusing on his health and taking advantage of weekly and monthly peer support services through the Reverse Re-Entry organization.

In addition to hosting events like these, volunteers with Reverse Re-Entry Services visit Austin Transitional every weekend to help residents with things like obtaining vital documents, job placement and housing placement. Other organizations that attended the resource event shared how overwhelmed they were by the positive response from those in attendance.

"The services provided through these events, though they may seem small, are creating a culture that better serves each person and equips them with the tools to thrive," said Jon Batiste, case manager at Austin Transitional. "We believe this work will continue to make a lasting impact on each person's journey and their families, one individual at a time."